COI offers Alzheimer’s support group

December 3, 2010

The Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. Alzheimer's Community Service Program sponsors a monthly support group meeting open to the public. The group meets at 2:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Joseph Steger Apartments located at 15 N. Main St. in Dunkirk.

Coping with Alzheimer's Disease or any form of dementia can be extremely difficult and challenging. When an individual is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, it becomes an ever present, life-long problem. Although medications are available to help control the illness, the lifestyle of the diagnosed person and their entire family changes dramatically. During this trying time, family members who serve as caregivers need to remember that taking care of themselves is just as important as the care they provide to their loved ones.

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's Disease can become increasingly stressful and can lead to feelings of hopelessness, frustration, anger and depression. There is no way to predict the outcome of this illness. There may be brief symptoms that are difficult to understand or it may be a very prolonged illness with progressive disabilities. Either way, it will affect the lives of many people, especially the person playing the role of a caregiver.

The support group offers its members the chance to share stories, identify barriers and learn new coping mechanisms through group experiences. Learning new ways of handling situations and increasing the knowledge of Alzheimer's may prove to be invaluable for anyone facing these life altering challenges.